ELECTRICAL FIREWORK IGNITION
What Are E-matches?
Use of an electrical control panel connected to fireworks by electrical igniters (e-matches) is the safest, most reliable and most effective way to fire a display.
When a small electrical current is passed down through the leads, a thin filament in the e-match heats up and ignites a compound that gives off very hot flames and sparks. This allows Pyrotechnicians to simultaneously ignite a display of fireworks set long distances apart in a coordinated and safe fashion.
- Advantages: Besides being easy to use, e-matches are reliable and produce more then enough sparks necessary to set off any type of fuse.
- Disadvantages: Expensive to purchase and source materials in some locations.
This section gives instructions on how to manufacture electrical igniters, and how to attach them safely and reliably to standard fuses of all types.
Making Your Own Electrical Igniters
Provided that it is possible to source the required materials, manufacturing electrical igniters is a fairly simple process. The two methods outlined on these pages are easy to follow and have a little leeway for use with the required materials. Please read through this section before going on to the two methods of making your own electrical matches.
Material Options
Tape Options - What type of tape to use is largely dependent on environmental factors such as local weather conditions, but is also a matter of personal preference and availability. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of tape..- Cellophane tape is water resistant and usually leaves very little residue when the igniter burns, but is not very spark resistant. It is also not as rigid and secure as the other tapes.
- Masking tape is less water resistant, but more spark resistant and rigid. After ignition masking tape tends to burn or glow longer than any other tape.
- Gaffer tape is both water and spark resistant and more rigid than masking tape. It leaves a sticky gray residue after ignition but is unlikely to burn.
- Black electrical tape is more water resistant, spark resistant, and rigid than the other types, and also less likely to burn. Quality electrical tape sticks together better in hot weather than any other tape.
Wire Options - To heat up and burn an electrical match needs to have a low amperage, a resistance range of 650 to 875 ohms/cmf and a melt point temperature of 1100-1500°. This necessitates the use of very thin wire which can make it difficult to work with and unreliable if the fused fireworks are not handled with great care. Types available are listed below with 35-36 probably being the best compromise.
- 38 gage wire needs amperage of 0.53-1.09 amps to burn. More likely to break or tangle during construction of the igniter. Measured with an ohmmeter, a 38 gauge igniter should have a resistance of 4 ohms or less
- 31-32 gage wire needs amperage of 2-3.2 amps or more to burn. Less likely to break or tangle during construction of the igniter. Measured with an ohmmeter igniter should have a resistance of 2 ohms or less.
- 35-36 gage wire needs amperage of 0.75-1.48 amps to burn. Less likely to break or tangle during construction of the igniter. Measured with an ohmmeter, should have a resistance of 3 ohms or less.
For information on the specific types and brand names of igniter wire available please visit our Electrical Fuse Wire table.
The Fireworks Company Thailand accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any injuries or accidents that occur as a result of attempting any of the displays or projects mentioned in this site, or as a result of use or misuse of any pyrotechnic products purchased from us. We highly recommend the use of professional display service for anything other than consumer 1.4G Fireworks with shells 1.75" or less in diameter.